Steel or aluminium scaffolding – which to choose?
Both types of facade scaffolding work in the same system, but they differ in weight, price and ease of assembly. The choice depends on how often and where you will use them.
Facade scaffolding can be purchased with steel or aluminium frames. In the EDX70 system, both types of frames have the same dimensions and connect to the same platforms, guardrails and braces. The difference lies in the material, and therefore in weight, durability and price.
Steel scaffolding
Steel frames are heavier, but very resistant to mechanical damage. They withstand intensive work, frequent transport and reloading well, which is why they are chosen by hire companies and firms that assemble scaffolding every day.
- Lower purchase price per square metre.
- High resistance to impact and bending.
- Hot-dip galvanising protects the steel against corrosion for many seasons.
- Higher weight means more work during assembly and transport.
Aluminium scaffolding
Aluminium frames are noticeably lighter. Assembly is faster, you get less tired passing components up to higher levels, and more metres of scaffolding fit on one vehicle.
- Lighter weight, easier assembly and transport.
- Aluminium does not rust.
- Higher purchase price.
- More sensitive to hard impacts, requires more careful handling.
Light aluminium-plywood decks fit aluminium frames best. Together they make the lightest set.
Which scaffolding should you choose?
Choose steel if the scaffolding will be used intensively, will often move between sites and be passed on to different crews. This is also a sensible choice when a lower purchase cost matters.
Choose aluminium if you assemble scaffolding often and on your own, work on smaller sites or have a limited vehicle load capacity. Lighter elements translate into shorter assembly time.
Can steel be combined with aluminium?
EDX70 steel and aluminium frames have the same dimensions, so many companies have both types and match them to the order. When combining elements, always stick to the manufacturer's technical documentation (DTR), because it defines the permissible configurations.
Decks: wood, steel or aluminium?
The choice of deck is just as important as the choice of frame. Wooden decks are cheap and easy to repair, steel ones (riveted or welded) are very durable, and aluminium-plywood ones are the lightest. You can find all types on the website of the working deck.
Compare ready-made sets on a steel frame and on an aluminium frame or put together your own set in configurator.
